Government should Prepare a comprehensive Plan For General Treatment Of Stray Animals Across State; Vaccinate Dogs, Cats If Necessary: Madras High Court [READ ORDER]

On Wednesday (9.06.2021), the Madras high court directed the Husbandry Department to chalk out a holistic plan for the general treatment of stray animals in the State in a plea at hand.

During the pandemic period, stray animals are also struggling. The plea sought necessary steps to ensure that the stray Animals are provided with food and water in this COVID -19 Pandemic. The case in question was  V.E.Shiva v. The Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry Dairying and Fisheries Department Secretariat Chennai. 

The Bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy directed that a comprehensive plan to be made dealing with vaccinating stray dogs and cats, if necessary, or collaring them or the like should also be thought of.

The Petition stated that, "Stray animals find it difficult to forage for food with the lockdown in place. In particular, several horses have been left to fend for themselves by the owners who otherwise exploit them to earn a living".

A letter was sent by the Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services to the Registry of the Court. 

As per the letter,  "2500 kg of dog feed and 200 kg of cat feed had been procured and a total of 500 feeders had been provided with such material to ensure the feeding of stray and abandoned animals"

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit has contributed ₹10 lakh for feeding stray animals during the lockdown. 

The Court also pointed out that, "Private parties, including some prominent corporate houses, should chip in with money or material to ensure that the voiceless do not suffer during the lockdown." 

[READ ORDER]